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THE tagline We’re Small, We’re Strong could not have been more fitting for SJK (C) Chin Hwa, the smallest Chinese school on Penang Island.
With an enrolment of just 25 pupils this year and a dedicated team of eight teachers, the school remains largely unknown to many Penangites. Nestled in Pantai Acheh, Balik Pulau, it feels like the ‘End of the World,’ where the only road leading to it ends at the fringe of Penang National Park. In the 1970s, the school boasted over 130 pupils.
Thor Bee Ling, the school’s principal, shared with Buletin Mutiara that some visitors came out of curiosity after seeing a recent media report and video about the school’s low enrolment. Some even presented oranges and ang pows to the students.
“I never knew of the school until I received a posting here. Many Penangites don’t know there is a school in Pantai Acheh too.
“It was very funny the day I tried to locate the school using Waze. It led me to a Na Tuk Kong shrine! I had to ask around before finally finding it,” Bee Ling recalled of her arrival in 2023.
After teaching at SJK (C) Chong Cheng in Sungai Ara for 16 years and serving as vice-principal at SJK (C) Chun San in Bayan Lepas for 18 months, Bee Ling was promoted to principal of SJK (C) Chin Hwa.
“I was extremely excited to take on this role and came to Chin Hwa with optimism. I hoped to make a difference, even though I knew it was the smallest Chinese school in Penang with low enrolment.
“Some of my seniors advised me that, regardless of the school’s size, my mission is crucial. They told me that if I could build up this school, that in itself would be a success.
“I’m determined to follow the school transformation programme I attended before my promotion, ensuring my students excel not only academically but also in co-curricular activities,” Bee Ling said.
A first-time visitor to the school will be captivated by its façade, which reflects the coastal village’s deep connection to fishing and farming. A striking blue lattice-like structure frames the entrance, resembling fishing nets – a reflection of the community’s fishing heritage.
This distinctive feature aligns with the school’s history, which dates back to 1939 when it began with just two classrooms. Originally operating as a coffee shop, the building has undergone changes over the decades but still retains its core architectural elements.
One of Bee Ling’s first initiatives as principal was to revitalise the school with a fresh coat of paint, including the basketball court. The bright, refreshed appearance not only enhances the school’s charm but also creates an uplifting atmosphere for students and visitors alike.
Upon learning that the school had never had an official school song, Bee Ling took it upon herself to write the lyrics. With the help of local artist Ciang Teng, who composed the music, they created a song that now proudly represents the school’s spirit.
Pupils are actively encouraged to participate in co-curricular activities such as singing, dancing, badminton, table tennis, lion dance, and karate.
Bee Ling also expressed her gratitude to Penang Shitoryu Karate-do and the National Culture and Arts Department (JKKN) for providing free coaching in karate and traditional Malay dance, giving students valuable opportunities to develop new skills.
Despite fielding a small team, SJK (C) Chin Hwa achieved commendable results at the 2nd Hijau Kuning Karate Championships held at Politeknik Tuanku Sultanah Bahiyah in Kulim, Kedah, last year. The school’s young athletes excelled, with Tan Zhi Shan winning gold, Tan Zhi Hui and Tan Kai Jing securing bronze medals, and Ooi Der Chiau receiving a Certificate of Appreciation.
The school also made an impressive mark on the international stage, finishing second in the Scout for Peace international cultural dance competition.
Additionally, SJK (C) Chin Hwa has been awarded Certificates of Appreciation by the Southwest District Education Office for its outstanding performance in various areas, including financial management in 2023, co-curricular achievements and student attendance in 2024.
“Our karate exponents and dancers trained hard. We sent them for competitions to give them exposure and build their confidence,” Bee Ling shared.
“Although we are a small school, we want our students to believe that we are strong and that they have plenty of opportunities.”
To inspire students, trophies and certificates are proudly displayed along Lorong Kecemerlangan (Excellence Lane), a prominent walkway in the school. Classroom doors are decorated with illustrations and descriptions of various professions, including entrepreneurs, nurses, engineers, broadcasters, scientists, police officers, and athletes. Even the surfaces of the canteen tables feature visuals of the school’s transformation plan and mission statements, reinforcing a culture of aspiration and excellence.
A striking feature that immediately catches visitors’ attention is a sculpture of a pangolin, crafted from recyclable materials such as CDs. Given the school’s proximity to the forest reserve park, pangolins occasionally make unexpected appearances on the school grounds.
“We named our pangolin mascot ‘Beibei,’ which means ‘Precious, Precious’ or ‘Treasured One.’ This name reflects two things we hold dear – the pangolin, an endangered species, and our school, whose future depends on student enrolment,” Bee Ling explained.
In 2023, the school welcomed two distinguished guests for the first time. On Jan 2, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow inaugurated Beibei with an official plaque signing, while on Feb 9, the Yang di-Pertua Negeri Pulau Pinang, Tun Ahmad Fuzi Abdul Razak, planted a Cendana tree during his visit.
Bee Ling also expressed gratitude to the state government for providing annual financial aid to the Chinese schools, including SJK (C) Chin Hwa, and mission schools last week, as well as to the Federal Government for its ongoing support.
Lau Phay Chen, treasurer of the school’s board of directors, shared that SJK (C) Chin Hwa marked a historic milestone this year with the enrolment of four special needs students in Year 1.
“We received approval to accept special needs students this year after submitting our application in 2022.
“We believe that integrating special needs students into mainstream schools will help them adapt better to society,” Lau said.
As a former student of SJK (C) Chin Hwa and a former resident of Pantai Acheh, Lau intentionally enrolled all three of her children at her alma mater to help sustain the school despite its low enrolment. While two of them have since moved on to secondary education, her youngest child remains at the school.
Despite now living in Balik Pulau after marriage, she willingly makes the 7km journey each way to send her child to school.
“Because of the small student population, the teachers and students are like one big family. They share a close bond and talk about their daily lives like friends,” Lau said.
Bee Ling added that SJK (C) Chin Hwa is now the only school in Balik Pulau offering special needs classes.
“Children with learning disabilities, autism, or hyperactivity must obtain medical approval before enrolling in our special needs programme.
“Since the school reopened, I’ve observed how other students naturally step in to help care for them, showing kindness and compassion,” Bee Ling said proudly.
Another Pantai Acheh resident, Thor Boon Keat, 33, shares a deep attachment to SJKC Chin Hwa, his alma mater. This year, he enrolled his third son, Ea Zhen, in Year 1 – making him the only new pupil registered for the grade.
Boon Keat and his wife, You Chern Shi, 32, have four young sons. Their eldest recently left SJK (C) Chin Hwa to begin Form 1, while their second son is currently in Year 2.
“I’m proud of my village’s heritage. SJK (C) Chin Hwa holds fond memories for me, and I want all my children to study here. My eldest completed his primary education here, my second son is now in Year 2, and I plan to enrol my youngest when the time comes,” he said.
“What I appreciate most about this school is that while the teachers and principal care for the pupils, they are also firm in instilling discipline. Teaching children the right values is essential.”
According to Bee Ling, the school operates four classes – Year 1, a combined Year 2 and 3 class, a combined Year 4 and 5 class, and Year 6.
To create a comfortable learning environment, students switch from shoes to sandals upon entering the classrooms, a practice aimed at making them feel ‘at home.’
“We want them to feel at ease because when they are comfortable, I believe they can learn better,” Bee Ling explained.
With Pantai Acheh’s population dwindling to around 500 as younger generations relocate to urban areas for employment, SJK (C) Chin Hwa faces ongoing challenges in sustaining its enrolment. Nevertheless, the dedication of its principal and teachers, the unwavering support of parents, the determination of students, and the community’s resilient spirit offer hope for the school’s future preservation.
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by Adleena Rahayu Rahmat